JP2648664B2 - Method and apparatus for identifying coins - Google Patents

Abstract

To identify coins, these are individualised by an individualisation equipment designed as a rotatable perforated disc (12). An identification measurement is subsequently carried out as long as the coins are still located in the holes (28) of the perforated disc (12). To carry out the measurement, a light barrier (26), for example, or an inductive or capacitive scanning equipment can be used. By means of a positioning equipment, which acts in an accelerative or decelerative manner on the coins which are located in the holes (28), the coins are held in a specific, exactly defined position during the measurement. <IMAGE>

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for identifying coins.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A method and apparatus of this kind is disclosed in GB 212
No. 8795 is known. In this solution, the side edges of the receiving compartment open towards the outer periphery of the disc converge towards the center of the disc. With this measuring means, during the measurement, the coins are held at precisely defined measuring positions irrespective of their dimensions. As it passes through the two stationary measuring stations, the size, or diameter, of the coin is sensed. To this end, a light barrier device is used at each measuring station. The light barrier device comprises a number of light barriers arranged along a radial movement line. As the coin passes through the measuring station, more or less light barriers are blocked, depending on the size of the coin. The size of the coin is determined in the evaluation unit from the generated signal. In this device, the disc is rotated stepwise in tune with the operation of the evaluation unit.

[0003] With this known device, electronic measuring and evaluating devices are relatively expensive. Furthermore, the clock-controlled operating mode of this device cannot be implemented at very high operating speeds. Furthermore, it is known to identify coins in a different way than to measure their dimensions. For example, British Patent No. 2,135,492 discloses a coin detection method in which eddy currents are applied to each coin. in this case,
A decrease in the eddy current is observed, the actual value occurring at that time is compared with the desired value, and each coin is detected based on the comparison value.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus for identifying various coins at high speed and at low cost.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a method for sorting coins using a sorting device comprising a continuously rotatable disk having a receiving compartment for individual coins. The coins in the receiving compartment are transported while rotating with the device, and the coins in the receiving compartment are
An accelerating or decelerating force is applied to the coin within the sensing device in order to abut a specific location of the edge, such as a guiding edge or a measuring edge of the receiving compartment, and the coin is brought to the specific location in the receiving compartment. In a device invention, a coin is located by moving a coin, and while the sorted coin is being positioned, the sorted coin is identified by measurement. A separating device having a continuously rotatable disk provided with a chamber, and a sensing device for measuring a characteristic of a coin, based on the rotation of the disk, located within a trajectory defined by a receiving compartment A device and a computer for determining the size and / or identity of each coin from signals from the sensing device as a result of the presence of coins in the receiving compartment During the transfer of coins in the receiving compartment while rotating together with the sorting device, at least within the range of the sensing device, the coins are moved by applying an accelerating force or a decelerating force to the coins. And a positioning device having means for abutting against an edge, such as a guiding edge or a measuring edge.

[0006] For example, a light beam of a light barrier comprising a transmitter and a receiver is directed towards the disk in the area of the receiving compartment and is received in the receiving compartment of the disk from the signal of the receiver. Measurements are made to draw conclusions about the size of each individual coin. In the case of a receiving compartment in the form of a hole, the light beam of the light barrier is directed towards a position radially inward or outward of the trajectory described by the geometric center of the hole in the perforated disc. In the case of the device according to the invention, other sensing devices can be used, for example inductive and / or capacitive sensing devices.

[0007] Since the measurement is performed when the coins are sorted in the disc, the additional expense of mounting the measuring device downstream of the disc is eliminated. The receiving compartment of the disc should preferably be selected to be larger than the diameter of the largest coin, but advantageously less than twice the diameter of the smallest coin. A measurement along the string of each coin located in the receiving compartment is made by a light beam. Thus, each coin in the receiving compartment affects the light beam of the light barrier by its leading and trailing edges. If the light barrier is formed as a pass-through light barrier, i.e. a light barrier with a light transmitter on one side of the disc and a light receiver on the other side of the disc, the edge of the receiving compartment and the coin The light beam that first passes through the free space between the leading edge of the coin is blocked by the leading edge of the coin and released again by the trailing edge of the coin. The measurement of the distance between the falling edge and the subsequent rising edge of the light barrier signal is a measure of the string length of the coin, which characterizes the kind of coin located in the receiving compartment of the disc. .

[0008] Instead of or in addition to the above measurements, a measurement of the gap between each edge of the receiving space and the leading edge of the coin can be made. Additionally or alternatively,
The size of the gap between the trailing edge of each coin and the edge of the receiving space can be measured. Each of these three measurements, or a combination thereof, can be used to identify an individual coin. This is because the measurement is a characteristic of the size of each coin. Since it is possible, for example, for a real coin and an unacceptable coin to have the same dimensions, other measurements, such as alloys, thickness, relief,
The measurement results generated by the measurement of the image and the groove can be used. Other measurements may occur as is conventional. While the coin is in the disc, at least some of the measurements described above can be performed.

However, as soon as the disc moves unevenly, the coins are no longer correctly positioned in the receiving compartment, resulting in measurement errors. A check can be made by measuring the first gap. As in the case of the measurement of the first gap, this measurement also produces a characteristic value. When both measurements show the same diameter, it can in fact be assumed that the disc, and thus the coin, in the measurement area has traveled very uniformly. However, this is not an absolute requirement. This is because coins can swing back and forth.

The measurement of one gap and the measurement of the string of a coin can be performed in the same manner. Measuring two gaps and measuring a string are the best methods. The three values must indicate the same diameter in order to fully identify the coin. But,
This requires relatively expensive electronic equipment. This is because the computer is involved in determining the diameter over the entire measuring range.

The measurement can be performed as a time measurement.
This type of measurement requires that the rotational speed of the perforated disk be kept constant during the measurement. This is checked if appropriate, and for other evaluations such a measure is used if the criteria are fulfilled. Coins that have not been sufficiently detected or that are incompletely measured, for example as a result of a change in the speed of the disc when switching the device, can be ejected out of the disc and resupplied for a new measurement. It is.

However, the measurement can be performed as a displacement measurement and a measuring device, for example an incremental converter, is used. This transducer is connected directly or indirectly to the disk, so that a special rotation of the disk causes a corresponding movement of the displacement measuring device. The displacement measurement signal of the displacement measurement device is
It can be used to evaluate the distance between corresponding edges of the light barrier signal. As a result, the measurement is independent of changes or fluctuations in rotational speed.

It is not necessary to determine the start and end of the measurement by detecting the leading and trailing edges of the receiving compartment with the light beam. This can be achieved by different signals, for example by a signal marking this edge or a starting point next to this edge. By sensing the disc and / or the markings on the edge of the disc, a corresponding signal can be generated. However, this marking can be read out by the displacement measuring device, e.g., depending on the resolution of the displacement measuring device, to mark the edge of the receiving compartment at the point where the pulse intersects the light beam at a rate of one in 1,000. Or mark adjacent points that can be used for measurement.

A measurement time range for determining the start and end of the coin measurement can be defined. During this measurement time range, the receiving compartment of the disk moves via the light beam. It is also possible to measure coins using only the measurement signals that occur during this measurement time range. To stabilize the position of the coin in the receiving section of the disc, a hole shape different from a circle, for example a hole shape with two straight sides, can be used. The sides converge in the direction of rotation of the disk or in the opposite direction.

In the case of the method according to the invention, and in the case of the device according to the invention, in general use, any measurement that does not result in a sufficient discrimination of each coin is returned to the collecting hopper by a suitable ejection device. Available for: The collection hopper supplies coins to the disc. As a result, the coin is again received and measured by the disc.

Although the method and apparatus according to the present invention clearly detects unacceptable coins, it is conceivable that the measurement may take place in a non-uniform state, in which case the recognition is sufficiently clear. Can not. As a result, the reliability of the measurement becomes questionable. Therefore, unacceptable coins are not sent directly to unacceptable coin compartments,
First, it is returned to the hopper.

Thus, at the end of a series of measurements, the number of unacceptable coins increases, so that a plurality of, for example, two or more, unacceptable coins are detected directly in sequence. This can be used to ensure that the measurements are made in a uniform state and that the coins are actually unacceptable. The unacceptable coins are then sorted into unacceptable coin compartments or only one is selected for close inspection.

With this method and apparatus, unacceptable coins are not fully detected due to the increased cost, but are supplied for a new diameter test, resulting in an overall cost reduction. After identifying the individual coins in the perforated disc, for example, EP-A-209 209
As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 675, coins are supplied to a sorting section or, as a result of identification and the number of each coin, the entire value of the coin is detectable without discrimination.

[0019]

Next, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples. In all figures, the same reference numerals have been used for the same parts having the same function. The coin identification and sorting device according to the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a collecting hopper 10 for receiving coins to be identified and a continuously rotatable perforated disk 12. This perforated disc is inclined as shown in FIG. 2 and can be driven around the rotation axis 14 by the motor 16 via the gear mechanism 18 and the shaft 20 to produce a continuous rotational movement indicated by the arrow 22. is there. The portion of the perforated disk 12 located below the shaft 20 is located in the collection hopper 10.
As a result, the coins (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) are transported upward by the holes in the perforated disk 12 and pass through a light barrier device fixedly mounted on the frame 24 of the coin identification and sorting device. As is well known, no two coins are inserted simultaneously into the hole of a perforated disc.

A ring 30 is provided on the rear side of the perforated disk 12 to prevent coins from falling out of the holes 28 of the perforated disk 12. This ring has the shape of a part of a circle, is arranged behind the perforated disc 12 and has a cutout only in the region of the light barrier 26. The edge of the ring is indicated by reference numeral 31 in FIG. In the area of the ring 30 downstream of the light barrier 26 an electromagnetically operated emission device 32 is provided. The ejection device serves to eject coins that cannot be distinguished sufficiently from the perforated disc 12 to the outside. These coins fall to the collection hopper 10 and return. However, the release device 3
2 may have a different structure, for example, it may be emitted by an air jet.

Since the perforated disk 12 is inclined,
Undischarged coins automatically travel on an obliquely downward rail 34 of the sorting device and roll downward along this rail. Reference numeral 36 indicates another electromagnetic emission device. The electromagnetic ejection device sends well detected unacceptable coins into an unacceptable coin compartment 38. That is, the ejection device 36 pushes the unreceivable coin downward from the rail 34. The discharge device may be of a different construction. The ejection device 36 is operated at the correct time by synchronizing with the perforated disk, or is fine-tuned and operated by a sensor when it contacts a coin that cannot be received. The ring 30 starts again just below the rail 34 facing obliquely downward.

The sorting device includes a series of deflecting devices (deflectors) 40. This deflecting device is provided at different distances d1 to d7 from the rail 34 and delivers coins into each compartment 42 according to their diameter. Reference number 4
Reference numeral 5 denotes a control keyboard which is designed depending on the actual use of the coin identification device and is connected to a computer device 44 (not shown). Connected to this computer device is a light barrier device 26 and emission devices 32 and 36, if appropriate, other coin identification equipment or a computer,
For example, if used in a bank, a display indicated by reference numeral 46 is connected to the computer device 44.
This display shows the total value of the real coins counted.

Sorting can be performed according to other principles. For example, the diagonal rails may have automatically operated deflection devices instead of fixed deflection devices.
Actively driven sorting devices can be used, for example belt or chain type sorting devices with fixed automatic operation or operating deflection devices. As shown in FIG. 2, the light barrier 26 includes a light transmitter 48 and a light receiver 50. Both the transmitter and the receiver are connected to a computer device 44.

FIG. 2 further shows an incremental converter 52. The disk of this incremental converter is mounted on the end of the shaft 54 of the motor 16. As is common with such incremental transducers, the detection section 53 produces a finely resolved pulse train as a result of the rotation of the disk. This pulse train is similarly transmitted to the computer 44.
Next, a method for identifying coins will be described in more detail with reference to other drawings. FIG. 3 shows details of the perforated disk 12 of FIGS. The perforated disc has three circular holes 28. Center of this hole 56
Describes a circular trajectory 58 as the perforated disk 12 rotates about the center axis of rotation 14. This trajectory is indicated by a dashed line in FIG. Reference numeral 60 denotes a cross section of the light beam of the light barrier 26. This light beam passes through the surface of the perforated disk 12. The light beam 60 is located radially inward of the trajectory 56 so that the light beam can detect the smallest and largest real coins expected. However, if the smallest coin can be detected, the light beam 60 may be arranged radially outside the track 58. Light beam 60 describes a circular trajectory 80 on the surface of perforated disk 12.

FIG. 3 further shows two indicia 62. This marking cooperates with a corresponding sensor (not shown) in a variant. The sensor generates a signal when it senses a mark, which signal is useful for producing a measuring time range which determines the start and end of the coin measurement or for constituting a time measuring range. In the preferred embodiment, the indicia 62 is in the form of a hole. This hole is filled with clear or dark (reflecting) plastic and is sensed by a sensor (not shown) in the form of a light barrier. By filling the holes 62 with plastic, blockage of the holes by dirt is avoided. The measurement time range can be used so that measurement can be performed only within the measurement time range, that is, between two adjacent holes 62. "Hole" 62 can be created in an electronic manner by a special pulse from the pulse train of incremental converter 52, which serves the same purpose.
That is, there is no need to provide the actual window 62.

FIGS. 4 to 7 show the principle of measurement by means of a 1-Mark coin 64 in the hole 28 when the perforated disk 12 rotates. At the stage of FIG. 4, hole 66 has traversed light beam 60. As a result, the light beam previously blocked by the material of the perforated disk 12 is released, which occurs at the rising edge A of the light barrier output signal of FIG. This is, of course, the operating edge. This steering edge is generated by differentiating the actual output signal in order to achieve a sharp switching edge.

The light beam 60 remains unobstructed in the first gap 70 between the hole edge 66 and the leading edge 72 of the coin 64. As a result, the corresponding output signal of the light barrier has its maximum amplitude H in FIG. In the stage of FIG. 5, the light barrier signal produces a falling edge B as the leading edge 72 of the coin 64 reaches and crosses the light beam 60. The output signal of the light barrier returns to a value of zero.

In the other stages up to FIG.
Remains blocked by the area between the leading edge 72 and the trailing edge 74 of the coin 24. Trailing edge 74 traverses light beam 60 and releases the light beam, resulting in rising edge C in FIG. Then the output signal of the light barrier reaches its maximum height H again. As the perforated disk 12 rotates further and the light beam is positioned within another gap 76, the signal level remains at the value H. When the edge 66 of the hole traverses the light beam at the stage of FIG. 7, the light beam is shut off again and the signal drops back to the value zero. The measurement in the hole 28 with the coin 64 ends, and the subsequent measurement for the next hole 28 continues. In FIG. 8, the rising edge of the light barrier signal is
Shown by broken lines.

The distance between the vertical edges A and B in FIG.
This corresponds to the dimension of the gap 70 measured along the circular orbit 80. The distance between edges B and C in FIG. 8 corresponds to the size of coin 64 along chord 79 as indicated by circular orbit 80.
The distance between edges C and D in FIG. 8 corresponds to the size of gap 76 measured along circular orbit 80. Assuming that the coin is exactly at the position shown in the hole, the size of the gap 70, the size of the gap 76, and the length of the string 79 each sufficiently correspond to the characteristic length of one Mark coin. The result is that the coins are sufficiently identifiable by determining the distance between edges A and B, B and C and / or C and D.

As a result of the measurement and the evaluation, when the coins cannot be sufficiently identified, the coins are discharged from the discharging device 3.
It is released back into the collection vessel 10 by 2 and retested. This method allows for small tolerances. Because, if you have doubts, you can say "no." Since the tolerance can be reduced, the reliability of identification is high. As a basic measurement, it is possible to measure an arc-shaped chord 79 which is interrupted by a coin during the rotation of the perforated disc. Hole dimensions are not included.

The length can be determined as a time measurement or a displacement measurement, assuming that the rotation speed of the perforated disk during the measurement period is constant. This displacement is preferably the angle formed by the measured perforated disc. This angle can also be measured on the perforated disc itself, but since it is relatively inaccurate, this angle is preferably
Incremental disk 52 on the motor shaft rotating at 00 revolutions / minute
Is measured by The requirements for this type of angle measurement are:
There is a constant transmission ratio between the incremental disk and the perforated disk on the motor shaft. This is often the case when a gear mechanism is provided between them, which gear mechanism should preferably be designed without play. Technically, several solutions are possible.

In the case of time measurement, a clock signal in the computer device 44 is used for the time measurement. As a result of the signal of the incremental transducer, the computing device 44 detects whether the rotational speed of the perforated disk 12 during measurement is constant. For example, perforated disk 1
If the rotation speed is not constant at the start of Step 2, coins can be sent back into the collection container 10 via the ejection device 32 until the rotation speed of the perforated disk 12 becomes constant. Normally, the start and stop of a perforated disc is not ideal for making measurements. An additional stop motor is not required, since measurements in these phases are not taken into account and in these phases coins are sent back to the collecting container.

In the case of fluctuations in operation, for example caused by the resistance of a mixed coin, the coin is likewise sent out and returned into the container 10. This is because stable measurements are not guaranteed. In the case of a displacement measurement, the signal from the incremental converter 52 is used by the computer device 44 to measure the displacement length between edges A and B and / or B and C and / or C and D.

As a result of the displacement measurement, the disc 1
The change in the rotation speed of No. 2 does not directly cause an error in the measured value. However, fluctuations in the rotational speed of the perforated disk 12 may cause unwanted movement of the return of the coin, etc., so that, for example, during a measurement, a 10 Penich coin may assume three different positions according to FIG. Thus, all three measurements,
That is, an error may occur between the size of the two gaps and the size of the string length of the coin. As a result, when the rotational speed of the perforated disk 12 fluctuates, the coins are fed back into the container 10 by the ejection device 32 in case of measurement of the displacement, just in case.

The movement of coins in the hole of the perforated disk 12 shown in FIG. 9 occurs not only when the rotation speed of the perforated disk 12 changes, but also for other reasons. FIG.
Shows how different values of the dimensions of the two gaps 70, 76 indicate that the coin is not in a stable position in the hole. In this case, the coin is discharged and returned to the collection container.

FIG. 10 shows in principle the same situation with a 5 mark coin. In this example, the 5 mark coin has the largest diameter of the sorted coins. Again,
The two gaps 70, 76 are different from each other. This gap is much smaller than in the example of FIG. 9 due to the size of the coin. However, changes in coin position are detectable as a result of the light barrier 26 signal.

FIG. 11 shows the deformation of the hole 28. This deformation serves to stabilize the position of the coin. This variant is circular in the upper region, while the lower region has two straight sides 90, 92 that converge inward. This side sufficiently avoids coin return movements and the like. FIG. 12 shows a modified device. In this case, a probe (sensor) 84 is provided for measuring the different properties of the coin, for example, the alloy, in addition to the measurement of the string length and / or the gap length of the coin by the light barrier beam 60. The result of this measurement is transmitted to the computer device 44 and considered for coin identification. The probe 84 is, for example, an inductive probe or sensing device and / or a capacitive probe as known from GB 2135492.

FIG. 12 further shows that the ejection device 32 can be positioned so that each coin can be ejected directly from the hole. This is advantageous because deceleration of the control signal of the discharge device 32 is no longer necessary. Gap 7 between coins 64
Using the markings 62 and / or the positions marked by the electronic signal from the incremental transducer instead of the edges A, D of the light barrier signal of FIG. 8 to measure the dimensions of 0,76. Can be. Similarly, a location can open and close a time measurement location range. As a result, the computer device 44
Considers only those measurements that occur within this time measurement range. That is, before the hole edge 66 leaves the light barrier 26, the measurement is started, and thus the gap between the hole edge and the coin is measured. For geometric reasons, this measurement determines the size of the coin by the exact location of the round coin 64 in the hole 28. As a result of the dynamic state, when the perforated disk moves uniformly, for each coin diameter,
Unique measurements are obtained. This measurement can be learned by the machine.

By slowing down these signals, for example, the perforated disk 12
Can be simulated. The light barrier need not be the above-described pass-through light barrier, but may be a reflective light barrier. In the case of this reflective light barrier, the optical receiver is located on the same side of the perforated disc as the optical transmitter.

Although the above embodiment has a sorting device, the sorting principle can be omitted, and the device can be operated simply as a cash counting machine or a coin testing means. In practice, all coins are relied on to be able to always take a desired position in the area of a light beam or other sensing device, for example an image reader, and by different positions or position changes. It is very important to use a perforated disk device with a coin positioning device in order to avoid inaccurate measurement results.

FIG. 13 shows a first example of such a positioning device. This positioning device is in the form of a mechanical braking device formed by the brush 102. The brush is supported by a fixed support 104 located on the other side of the perforated disk. The support device 104 may be a modification of the ring 30 or the frame 24, for example. The brush 102 is actually a support device 1
04 is supported by fixing means 106 connected by screws.

The length of the brush can be longer or shorter than shown. It is only important that the brush make contact with every coin in order to apply a braking action to the coin. This braking action is shown schematically in FIG. 14, where in this embodiment the longitudinal sides of the rectangular brush
As shown in the direction of arrow XI of FIG. 3, the diameter of the hole 28 of the perforated disk 12 is somewhat smaller. Further, FIG.
As can be seen from FIG. 4, the brush 102 has a circular notch 108 to allow the light barrier light beam 60 to pass through the brush. In this embodiment, a light transmitter (not shown) is provided, for example, on the fixing means 106, and a light receiver (also not shown) is mounted on the support device 104.

As shown in FIG.
The coin 64 traveling in the arrow direction 22 by the
Before it reaches the lower region of the hole 28. However, this is not the radially innermost position 65 in the lower region of the hole. Accurately arriving coins 64 are not important in this embodiment. During the rotation of the perforated disk, the bristles of the brush 102 come into contact with the coin 64, causing the coin to brake and position. As a result, the coin is supported by the edge of the left hole in FIG. 14 in the area affected by the brush 102, and in the area 67 of the edge of the left hole in FIG.
The circular orbit at the center of the hole contacts the edge of the hole at the location where it intersects the edge of the hole. After each hole 28 exits the area of action of the brush and reaches, for example, the position on the right in FIG. 14, the coin 64 rolls from the position positioned by the brush to the position 69 shown.

FIG. 15 shows a modified embodiment. In this case, an inductive and / or capacitive sensing device 84 is used instead of a light barrier. In this case, the circular notch 108 of the brush is increased in diameter to provide sufficient space for the inductive and / or capacitive probe 84. The operation of this alternative embodiment with respect to the positioning of the coin in the hole 28 is identical to the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14 and will therefore not be described in further detail.

FIG. 16 shows an apparatus similar to the embodiment of FIGS. In this case, the coins are actively driven after positioning by the brush 102 to occupy a stable position, so that the holes 28 of the perforated disk 12
Has a different shape. To that end, the hole 28 in the embodiment of FIG. 16 is similar to the shape of the hole in FIG. However, the straight regions 90, 92 of the holes do not converge radially inward, but converge in the circumferential direction of the perforated disc in the region of the track 58 at the center of the hole. Rather, when viewed in the direction of rotation 22 of the perforated disk, it converges to the area behind the hole 28. The positioning device having a mechanical braking action may have a structure different from that shown in FIGS. Another example of producing a mechanical braking action is shown in FIGS.
It is shown in FIG. In this case, the braking action is
Caused by This plate piece is formed as a movable flap in this embodiment, is connected to the fixing means 106, and swings around the hinge 112. Spring 114 schematically shown
Presses the movable flap 110 towards the perforated disk. As a result, as the coin passes through the brake device 100 in each hole of the perforated disc, the flap 110
Free end 116 contacts the coin to be identified. Also in this embodiment, the brake is provided with a notch 108 so that the light beam of the light barrier is not blocked by the flap 110. The flap 110 or the side of the flap near the perforated disc is made of plastic. As a result, sufficient friction is obtained without significant wear.

However, the brake device may have a different structure. For example, it may be formed by an air nozzle. The air nozzle pushes the coins into successively located holes by means of a directional air jet. Electromagnetic braking devices (not shown) are also conceivable. However, the positioning device need not be formed as a braking device. For example, it can be configured as an accelerator to press coins towards the leading edge of the hole. In addition, the coin can be pressed by the positioning device against the upper or lower edge of the hole or any position of the hole.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show a positioning device formed to press a coin against the leading edge of the hole. For this purpose, the positioning device of the present embodiment includes two circulation belts 120 and 122. The belt circulates around guide pulleys 124, 126 and a pulley 130 driven by a motor 128. Guide pulleys 124, 12
The axes of 6 and drive pulley 130 are arranged parallel to each other and parallel to the plane of the perforated disk. It is not necessary to provide two belts. That is, this embodiment can be implemented with a single belt. Further, two or more belts may be provided.

In this embodiment, the guide pulleys 124,
126 is supported by elastic suspension means 132,134. As a result, each pulley 124, 126 is constantly pressed towards the perforated disk, and thus, as the hole 28 passes, a portion is pressed into the hole to ensure contact with each coin. As a result, the belts 120 and 122 reliably perform the positioning operation on the coin.

If the speed of circulation of the belts 120, 122 is selected to be higher than the surface speed of the perforated disc in the area of the belt, the coins in the individual perforations 28 of the perforated disc will be perforated. It is accelerated against the disc and pressed against the leading edge of the hole. As a result, the coin occupies a stable position during the measurement. 19 and 20 can also be used as a braking device. In this case, the circulation speed of the belt is selected to be lower than the surface speed of the perforated disc in the area of the belt or is directed in the opposite direction.

The mode of operation will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 21-26, assuming that the positioning device 100 of FIGS. 19 and 20 is configured to position coins at the leading edge of the hole. FIG. 21 shows the coin 64 advanced by the perforated disc 12 by rotating the perforated disc in the direction of the arrow 22 to the positioning device. In this embodiment, the measurement is performed by a light beam 60 of a light barrier (not shown). The perforated disk 12 is shown in FIG.
When moving from the position shown in FIG. 22 to the position shown in FIG.
4 reaches the working range of the belts 120 and 122, and FIG.
Is positioned at the leading edge of the hole. In this embodiment, the measurement of the leading edge of coin 64 is preferably initiated electronically. This is because, depending on the actual design of the device, there is no gap between the hole 28 and the leading edge of the coin 64 in the area of the light beam 60.

As the disc 12 moves further to the position of FIG. FIG.
Only when the position 4 is reached, the light beam is released again by the coin. More precisely, according to FIG.
8 is released until the trailing edge 8 crosses the light beam 60. Thus, in this embodiment, the chord of the coin upon passage of the perforated disc between the positions of FIGS. 22 and 24 or the gap along the rotating circular trajectory of the perforated disc between the positions of FIGS. Or both are measured.

As a result of coin positioning, no more than two measurements or, if appropriate, only one measurement are made in order to make a reliable measurement. As a result, the work performed by the computer is limited, the computer program is simplified, and the identification procedure can be performed quickly. FIG. 26 shows that the coin is a belt 120,
The coin 64 occupies another position 69 in the hole 28 when exiting the range of operation 122.

It should be understood that the positioning devices of FIGS. 19-26 may cooperate with other sensing devices, for example, inductive and / or capacitive sensing devices. Furthermore, several different sensing devices, such as light barriers and inductive and / or capacitive measuring devices, can be used simultaneously. The various positioning devices 100 shown in FIGS. 13-26 can be used with a very wide range of sensing devices, such as image reading devices.

[0054]

According to the present invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for identifying a coin,
Since the measurement is performed when the coins are sorted in a continuously rotatable disk, the additional cost of mounting the measuring device downstream of the disk can be omitted, and a coin positioning device is used. By doing so, the operation performed by the computer can be limited, so that the computer program can be simplified, and as a result, there is an advantage that coins can be continuously and reliably identified at high speed and at low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a coin identification and sorting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the coin identification and sorting device of FIG.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a part of a perforated disc of the structure according to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a stage at the time of measurement for identifying one mark coin.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another stage at the time of measurement for identifying one mark coin.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another stage at the time of measurement for identifying one mark coin.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another stage at the time of measurement for identifying one mark coin.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing a light barrier signal when measuring according to FIGS.

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing three positions of a 10-penich coin being measured.

FIG. 10 schematically shows three different positions of a 5 mark coin being measured.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a deformed hole shape for stabilizing the position of a coin to be measured.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the detection device.

FIG. 13 shows a device according to the invention with a positioning device in the form of a stationary brush.

14 schematically shows the perforated disc of FIG. 13 with a brush, as indicated by the arrow direction XI of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a modified embodiment, similar to FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 14, with a special hole shape;

FIG. 17 with a positioning device in the form of a strip;
FIG. 4 is a schematic view similar to FIG.

18 is a schematic diagram showing the device of FIG. 17 along the direction of arrows XV-XV.

FIG. 19 shows a variant embodiment with different positioning devices,
FIG. 18 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 along the section plane XVII-XVII
It is a schematic diagram of an example of.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 26, showing the operation mode of the device of FIG. 19 during rotation of the perforated disc.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 26, showing the mode of operation of the device of FIG. 19 during rotation of the perforated disc.

FIG. 23 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 26, showing the mode of operation of the apparatus of FIG. 19 during rotation of the perforated disc.

FIG. 24 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 26, illustrating the mode of operation of the apparatus of FIG. 19 during rotation of the perforated disc.

FIG. 25 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 26, showing the mode of operation of the apparatus of FIG. 19 during rotation of the perforated disc.

FIG. 26 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 26, illustrating the mode of operation of the apparatus of FIG. 19 during rotation of the perforated disc.

[Explanation of symbols]

 12 disk 26,84 sensing device 28 receiving compartment 44 computer device 58 orbit 64 coin 66 receiving compartment edge 100 positioning device

Claims (34)

(57) [Claims] 1. A receiving compartment for individual coins (28).
Separating the coins using a sorting device, consisting of a continuously rotatable disk (12) having: a coin (64) in the receiving compartment (28) while rotating with the sorting device; An acceleration or deceleration force is applied to the coin within the sensing device to cause the coin in the receiving compartment to abut a particular location on the edge, such as the guiding or measuring edge of the receiving compartment (28). Coin (6) at the specific position in the receiving compartment (28).
A method for identifying coins, comprising the steps of: 4) positioning and moving the sorted coins (64) while the sorted coins (64) are being positioned; and identifying the coins (64) by measurement. 2. Checking whether the rotational speed of the disk (12) is substantially constant during the measurement and having a correct value, and rotating the disk (12) to identify coins. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is used for measuring coins only if the speed is substantially constant during the measurement and has the correct value. 3. The step of performing the measurement as a measurement of displacement, wherein the measurement of displacement utilizes a displacement measuring device (52) coupled directly or indirectly to the disk (12). The method of claim 1. 4. Appropriate means for detecting unacceptable coins and / or unacceptable measurement results, whereby the corresponding coins are returned to a coin hopper (10) for supplying coins to the disc (12). The method of claim 1, wherein the coin is guided. 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of accepting the reliability of detection of unacceptable coins and sorting out unacceptable coins only when detecting a plurality of unacceptable coins one after another. the method of. 6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of supplying coins (64) to the coin sorting section (34-42) after identification. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of determining an overall value of the identified coin as a result of the measurements made. 8. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step of using an inductive and / or capacitive sensing device to identify coins. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein a non-circular hole shape is used to stabilize the position of coins in the receiving compartment of the disk (12). 10. The non-circular hole shape comprises two straight sides (90, 92) which are oriented in the direction of rotation (22) of the disc (12) or in the direction of the disc (1).
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the convergence is in a direction opposite to the rotation direction (22) of (2). 11. The step of performing a measurement with a light barrier (26), said light barrier comprising a light transmitter (48) and a light receiver (50), wherein a light beam (60) is received by a receiving compartment (28). ) Is directed toward the surface of the disk (12), and from the signal of the light receiver (50), the disk (1) is detected.
Method according to claim 1, characterized in that conclusions regarding the size and / or identification of the individual coins (64) contained in the receiving compartment (28) of 2) are drawn. 12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of measuring the size of a string (79) of each coin (64) positioned in the receiving compartment (28) by means of a light barrier (26). the method of. 13. Between each edge (66) of the receiving compartment (28) and a leading edge and / or a trailing edge (72, 74) of coins (64) positioned in the receiving compartment (28). 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of determining the size of the gap by the light barrier.
Method 1. 14. The time at which the light beam (60) is reflected or occluded by the coins (64) is determined for each coin (64).
12. The method of claim 11, comprising utilizing the information to identify Determining a measurement time range during which the receiving compartment (28) of the disk (12) moves through the light beam (60);
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein only the measurement signals generated during the measurement time range are evaluated. 16. Starting and / or ending the measurement by a signal not generated by the light barrier (26) and marking the edge of the hole (66) or a reference point next to it. The method of claim 11, wherein 17. A receiving compartment (2) for individual coins.
A continuously rotatable disk (12) provided with 8)
And a sensor for measuring, based on the rotation of the disc (12), the characteristics of the coin (64) located within a trajectory (58) defined by the receiving compartment (28). A device (26), a computer device (26) for determining the size and / or identification of each coin from a signal from the sensing device as a result of the presence of coins in the receiving compartment, together with a sorting device While transferring coins in the receiving compartment while rotating, at least within the range of the sensing device, move the coins by applying acceleration or deceleration to the coins,
And a positioning device (100) having means for abutting against an edge (66), such as a guiding or measuring edge of said receiving compartment. 18. According to the rotation of the disk (12),
18. The device according to claim 17, wherein a displacement measuring device (52) for generating a displacement measuring pulse is provided, the displacement measuring device being connected to a computer device (44). 19. A disk (1) connected to a computer device (44) and adjacent to or adjacent to at least one of a leading edge and a trailing edge of each receiving compartment (28).
18. The device according to claim 17, further comprising a device for electronically marking the position of 2). 20. Coins not sufficiently detected (64)
And a hopper (1) for supplying coins to the disc (12).
18. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that a discharge device (32) for returning to 0) is provided. 21. The device according to claim 17, wherein the sensing device is an inductive and / or capacitive sensing device. 22. The receiving compartment (28) is characterized in that the receiving compartment has a non-circular hole shape in order to stabilize the position of coins (64) in the receiving compartment (28). The device of claim 17. 23. The non-circular hole shape consists of two straight sides (90, 92), which are either in the direction of rotation (22) of the disk (12) or in the direction of the disk (1).
Device according to claim 22, characterized in that it converges in a direction opposite to the rotation direction (22) of 2). 24. The positioning device comprises at least one belt (120, 122) which is arranged in the area of the rotation path of the receiving compartment (28), circulated by a motor (128), and (120,1
Depending on the rotation speed of the belt relative to the rotation speed of the disc (12) in the area of (22), a braking or accelerating action is exerted on the coin (64), so that a desired action is obtained in the receiving compartment (28). The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the coin is positioned in a direction. 25. A circulation belt (120, 122) is guided around two guide pulleys (124, 126) in the area of one side of the disc (12), at least one of which is elastically suspended. , Thereby irrespective of the thickness of each coin (64), the belts (120, 12
25. The device according to claim 24, wherein 2) always contacts coins (64). 26. The device according to claim 1, wherein the positioning device is a braking device.
7 device. 27. A brush (1) in which a braking device is fixed.
Device according to claim 26, characterized in that the brush is arranged on one side of the disc (12) in the region of the trajectory of the receiving compartment (28). 28. The braking device comprises a plate (110) which is provided in the area of the trajectory of the receiving compartment (28) and which has a disc (12) and / or coins (64) located therein. 27) The apparatus according to claim 26, characterized in that the face of the plate piece, which is prestressed towards ()) and faces towards the coin (64), is preferably made of plastic or coated with plastic. 29. A disk (1) is pivotally mounted on a plate (110) and compressed by a spring (114).
29. The device according to claim 28, wherein a prestress is applied to 2). 30. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the sensing device is a light barrier comprising a light transmitter and a light receiver. 31. The light beam of the light barrier (26) is directed towards a position radially inward or outward of the trajectory described by the geometric center of the receiving compartment (28) of the disk (12). 31. The device of claim 30, wherein: 32. A computer device (44) and a light barrier (26) configured to perform measurements along a string (79) of coins (64) positioned in each receiving compartment (28). 31. The device of claim 30, wherein 33. An edge (66) of a computer device (44) and a light barrier (26) in each receiving compartment (28).
31. The device according to claim 30, characterized in that it is arranged to measure a gap between a leading edge and / or a trailing edge (72, 74) of a coin (64) provided in the receiving compartment.
Equipment. 34. In response to the rotation of the disk (12),
31. The device according to claim 30, wherein a displacement measuring device (52) for generating a displacement measuring pulse is provided, the displacement measuring device being connected to a computer device (44).